Saseendran backs out; Thomas Chandy to be sworn in as new NCP Minister

Thiruvananthapuram: NCP MLA Thomas Chandy will be sworn in as minister in the LDF cabinet in place of former Transport Minister A K Saseendran who resigned over allegations of sexual misconduct.

The swearing in ceremony will be held at 4 pm on Saturday.

The announcement came after the LDF agreed with the NCP’s recommendation to induct the businessman-turned-politician in the Cabinet in place of Saseendran.

A third time MLA, Chandy represents Kuttanad segment in Alappuzha district in the assembly.

Saseendran had on March 26 resigned over allegations of sexual misconduct after a TV channel leaked his purported phone talks with a woman.

Although the channel issued an unconditional apology on Thursday admitting that it was a sting operation carried out by its editorial team, Saseendran refused to take back the ministerial post.

The channel had also admitted that the woman was one of its employees, not a housewife as claimed by the channel at the time of telecasting the conversation.

Saseendran, who reached his home district Kozhikode on Thursday, said, "People of the state are convinced about what had happened" but did not elaborate.

Talking to the media after the announcement, Thomas Chandy said he would step down if Saseendran is willing to come back after being cleared of all the allegations.

“I am ready to take up the challenge. To make KSRTC a profitable entity is the biggest challenge in front of me, he added.